Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation

In what looks to be the biggest organisational shake up local government has seen in decades, in December 2024 the government published its English Devolution White Paper detailing its ambitions for local government reorganisation and for widening devolution. 

The much anticipated English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (“the Bill”) has now been  issued which sets out the government’s plans on Strategic Authorities and many other matters which will be of significant interest to local government colleagues as they navigate LGR and devolution, and those in the wider sector.

Guidance accompanying the Bill states that the Bill includes measures that fall under three broad categories, being:

• Devolution – describing structures and outlining and expanding powers for Mayors and authorities, and explaining routes to devolution;
• Local government – ensuring the process for LGR supports the ambitions of the White Paper, outlining changes to local authority governance, reforming accountability and introducing effective neighbourhood governance structures to amplify local voices.
• Communities – giving more power to local communities to purchase assets of community value and making reforms to commercial leases.

How are we helping you to prepare?

Local authorities undergoing devolution and Local Government Reorganisation face a number of challenges from navigating complex legal and regulatory frameworks to ensuring a smooth transition for the local community. We can provide essential guidance across a number of key areas advising on legislation, structures and agreements. With a multi-disciplinary team spanning a range of specialisms including governance, employment, and commercial contracts, we can ease uncertainty, ensure compliance and foster collaboration between local and national bodies. We can be your strategic legal partner offering advice from start to finish across the whole Devolution cycle. 

What can we do for you?

We understand that the legal and commercial issues encountered by local governments in periods of re-organisation and devolution can be wide-ranging and technical in nature. Here are just some of the areas Bevan Brittan can advise on to support you through these times of uncertainty:

• Governance, including ethics, conduct, and constitution reviews;
• Employment and pensions;
• Restructuring and HR support;
• Commercial contracts;
• Joint delivery of services, outsourcing, and alternative provision;
• Project delivery;
• Information law; and
• Litigation.

We can also support our clients with horizon scanning, training, and professional development.